In ancient times and during the middle ages, the healing powers of the earth were extensively used for remedial purposes. A German-born Lutheran minister Emanuel Felke nicknamed “Clay Pastor” brought it again to prominence in modern times as a valuable therapeutic agent in the last century. He discovered that Earth’s forces have a remarkable impact on the human body, particularly at night.
The healing power of the earth can refresh, energize, and vitalize some of these effects. Clay or moistened earth were the only true natural bondages for wounds and skin diseases, according to Felke. This is accomplished by repairing the body with the element from which it is assumed to be made. Adolf Just ( 1838 – 1936), one of the pioneers of nature cure in modern times, believed that only sleeping or lying on the earth at night became a common way to cure diseases. As a result, all diseases, including serious nervous disorders in our time, would lose their terror.
His theory is that when one sleeps on the ground, the body awakens from its lethargy and manifests its vital energy. Consequently, old morbid matter and masses of old faces can now be removed effectively from the intestines, resulting in a sense of new health, of new life, and of vigor and strength that has never been felt before. It is also considered a valuable step toward true happiness and good health to go barefoot all day, except when it is very cold. Through their feet, men can draw strength and energy from the earth.
His disciples were also barefoot, as he himself was. Whenever possible, one should go barefoot, especially on bare ground, but when walking on painted floors, chappals are recommended since bare feet can cause adverse effects on the body. Native Americans place a great deal of emphasis on earth treatment.
Their belief is that healing power can be found in leaves and herbs, in the air, and in the earth itself. All kinds of disease sufferers are buried up to their necks in the earth, left there for several hours, and then removed. The majority of them believe that they have been cured. Healing minerals and some earth’s magnetism must be attracted to the body by the body.
Mud Packs
At present, nature cure practitioners are increasingly using moistened earth to treat diseases. It has been found that mud packs are highly beneficial in the treatment of chronic inflammation resulting from internal diseases, bruises, sprains, boils, and wounds. As part of this treatment, a properly structured dietary plan and other natural therapies are usually implemented.
Mud treatments can maintain moisture and coolness longer than cold water packs or compresses because they retain moisture and coolness. When the pores of the skin are relaxed with cold moisture, blood is drawn to the surface, congestion and pain are relieved, heat is generated, and the morbid matter is eliminated.
A mud pack is prepared using clay obtained from about ten centimeters deep. After ensuring that the soil is clean and free of compost or pebbles, it is buried beneath the surface. A smooth paste is then made with warm water and clay. The mixture is cooled and spread on a strip of cloth, depending on the size required. It is generally 20 cm in width and 20 cm in length the abdomen pack is designed to be applied to.
Approximately 10 cm x 2.5 cm. For adults only. In the case of diseases related to general weakness or nervous disorders, mud packs have been found to be a valuable treatment option. In addition to reducing fever, it is also beneficial in treating scarlet fever, measles, and influenza, as well as bringing down a high body temperature.
The mud pack can be used to treat swellings, eye and ear problems, gout, rheumatism, stomach problems, kidney and liver problems, diphtheria, neuralgia, sexual problems, headaches, toothaches, and general aches and pains. Following the application of the mud bandage to the body, flannel or similar material should be used to cover it.
Ten to thirty minutes are required to apply the pack. Several disorders, including all forms of indigestion affecting the stomach and bowels, are cured by applying mud packs to the abdomen. Most importantly, it breaks up the morbid matter and decreases external heat. Moreover, it helps to ease labor pains that are inactive, which is why it may be renewed every one or two hours. As an alternative treatment, mud packs can also be helpful.
First, fomentation is applied to the area to be treated for five to ten minutes to get it well heated. After that, the mud is applied directly to the skin for between five and fifteen minutes, depending on what reaction is needed. Chronic pains, intestinal cramps, and lumbago can be relieved with hot and cold applications. Alternative applications relieve discomfort caused by flatulence and intestinal obstructions. Inflammatory conditions caused by bacteria, such as amoebiasis, colitis, enteritis, and enterocolitis, can also benefit from it.
Mud Bath
Other treatment methods include mud baths and clay baths. Similar to packs, it is applied to the entire body on a larger scale. A smooth paste is made by mixing hot water with ground mud or clay, which has been sifted and ground to remove all impurities. Next, a sheet is wrapped around the body with the paste spread on it. In order to keep the pack warm, one or two blankets are draped over it, depending on the room’s temperature.
A mud bath is followed by a warm water bath and a cold shower. By increasing circulation and energizing the skin tissues, mud baths tone up the skin. A regular mud bath can improve your complexion, and clear up spots and patches on your skin that may have developed as a result of skin disorders or smallpox. Several skin diseases, including psoriasis, leucoderma, and leprosy, can be treated with it.
Also, rheumatoid arthritis and joint pain caused by injuries can be relieved with this bath. Bathing should last between 30 minutes and an hour. During the bath, the patient should also be cautioned not to catch a chill. Natural beauty treatments also include mud applications.